Stowmarket Town’s promotion hopes were dented after losing 1-0 at Godmanchester Rovers to slip to their first away league defeat since September, writes Alex Moss.

The Old Gold and Blacks were bidding for a 10th straight away win in the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division, but Jack Chandler’s first-half strike proved to be the difference between the two sides at the David Wilson Homes Ground on Saturday.

Stow pushed for an equaliser after the break but were unable to find a breakthrough, as Rick Andrews’ men failed to score for the first time in 31 games in all competitions and remain third in the Premier Division table.

Stow boss Andrews handed a first start to recent signing Payton Swatman in one of two changes to the side which started in the 4-0 win against Brantham Athletic, with Amar Lewis returning to the starting line up and Remi Garrett dropping to the bench.

Chandler broke the deadlock for the hosts midway through the first half, emphatically finishing past Craig Brand inside the box after a free kick had been headed down into his path.

Jack Baker drives forward for Stowmarket Town. Picture: DAVE WALKER

Stow went in search of an equaliser after the interval and brought on Garrett for Lewis at half time. Ace Howell saw a shot from outside the box go wide of the target, before David Kempson’s cross was headed over the crossbar by Josh Mayhew.

The Stow striker, who has 47 goals this season, the second most by a player in a single Thurlow Nunn league top flight campaign, had scored in each of his last 10 games, but was foiled by a determined Godmanchester defence, who have the third best defensive record in the Premier Division behind the top two.

As time started to run out for the visitors, Kempson and Howell saw volleyed efforts go wide of the target, before Howell played Luke Read towards goal in the 90th minute, but the Stow midfielder could only lift his strike over the crossbar.

The defeat brought to an end Stow’s 11-match unbeaten away league run, dating back to mid-September, and leaves them still third in the Premier Division table.

Sir Alf Ramsey was one of Ipswich Town and England’s greatest-ever managers. Some would say he WAS the greatest. Few reporters had the access to Sir Alf as former EADT/Ipswich Star and Green’Un editor TONY GARNETT enjoyed. Here are some of his memories